| Abstract: | The present paper examines the class of problems related to a flat rigid anchoring region which is embedded at a geological interface. The analysis focuses on the evaluation of the elastic stiffness of the embedded anchor. A boundary element technique is used estimate the axial, rotational and translational stiffnesses of the anchor. These estimates are compared with a set of bounds which are evaluated in exact closed form. These bounds are obtained by invoking kinematic and/or traction constraintsat the geological interface. The numerical results presented in the paper illstrate the manner in which the various stiffnesses of the anchoring region are influenced by the elastic properties of the surrounding geological media. |
